French and Italian wine regions

FRENCH AND

ITALIAN WINE REGIONS

By Colin Lobo

4.10 FRANCE

4.10 FRANCE - BORDEAUX

1855 BORDEAUX

CLASSIFICATION OF THE

MEDOC


Bordeaux is the most famous and highly coveted wine blend in the world. Like many wines with

a long history, there’s a lot to learn, so we’re here to just cover the basics.

While there are both red and white Bordeaux's, the name Bordeaux is primarily associated with

the red wine blend. Red Bordeaux is a red wine that is always made from blending Cabernet

Sauvignon wine and Merlot wine together, though the proportion of each depends on the

location of the winery that made the wine.

In the Bordeaux region of France, where the wine is made, the Gironde estuary cuts through

the center of the region creating two banks: a left bank and a right bank. It is a winery’s location

on either bank that determines the proportion of Merlot to Cabernet inside each wine. If the

winery is located on the Left Bank, the blend created will have more Cabernet Sauvignon than

Merlot. If the winery is instead located on the Right Bank of the river, the wine will have more

Merlot in the blend than Cabernet Sauvignon. This determination also allows us to make a few

generalizations about the wine depending on the bank on which it was created.

4.10 FRANCE - BORDEAUXLEFT BANK:

REGIONS:

The Bordeaux region is naturally divided by the Gironde Estuary into a Left Bank area which

includes the Médoc and Graves.

The Médoc is itself divided into Haut-Médoc (the upstream or southern portion) and

Bas-Médoc(the downstream or northern portion, often referred to simply as "Médoc").

There are various sub-regions within the Haut-Médoc, including St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St.-Julien

and Margaux and the less well known areas of AOC Moulis and Listrac.

Graves includes the sub-regions of Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes.

Sauternes in turn includes the sub-region of Barsac

4.10 FRANCE - BORDEAUXGENERAL RULE:

Left Bank blends tend to be higher in tannins, alcohol and acidity. They are powerful, rich wines

that are said to age a bit better than wines from the Right Bank. This is also the bank that made

the region famous.

GRAPE VARIETALS:

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. To a lesser

degree, Petit Verdot, Malbec and small amounts of Carmenere are also planted in the Left Bank

of Bordeaux.

The Graves area produces both red wine (from the grapes previously mentioned)

and white wine from the Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes. The

area of Sauternes (including Barsac) is known for its botrytized dessert wines.

4.10 FRANCE - BORDEAUXRIGHT BANK:REGIONS:

The Bordeaux region is naturally divided by the Gironde Estuary into a Right Bank area which includes the

Libournais, Bourg and Blaye.

The Libournais includes the sub-regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

GENERAL RULE:

Right bank blends tend to be softer, less tannic and lower in alcohol and acidity. Because Merlot is the

dominant grape, they are much more juicy and usually ready to be drunk much earlier than Left Bank

Bordeaux's, and they’re often less expensive.

GRAPE VARIETAL:

Libournais - Merlot is the dominant grape followed by Cabernet Franc. To a lesser degree,

Petit Verdot, Malbec and small amounts of Carmenere are also planted in the Right Bank of

Bordeaux.

Bourg And Blaye - Merlot is the main grape of the area followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and

Malbec. The area around Bourg also has sizable Sauvignon blanc planting for sparkling wines and Ugni blanc for

cognac


TOP 25 WINESSr. No Wine Name Grape Popularity

1 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 1st

2 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 2nd

3 Petrus, Pomerol, France Merlot 3rd

4 Chateau Margaux, Margaux, France Bordeaux Blend Red 4th

5 Chateau Latour, Pauillac, France Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 6th

6 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France Bordeaux Blend Red 7th

7 Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, France Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon 8th

8 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 11th

9 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France Bordeaux Blend Red 12th

10 Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 14th

11 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, France Bordeaux Blend Red 15th

12 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, France Bordeaux Blend Red 16th

13 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 18th

14 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, France Bordeaux Blend Red 21st

15 Chateau Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien, France Bordeaux Blend Red 23rd

16 Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France Bordeaux Blend Red 25th

17 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, France Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 26th

18 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien, France Bordeaux Blend Red 28th

19 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France Bordeaux Blend Red 29th

20 Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville, Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 30th

21 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Saint-Julien, France Bordeaux Blend Red 31st

22 Chateau Pavie, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France Bordeaux Blend Red 32nd

23 Chateau Talbot, Saint-Julien, France Bordeaux Blend Red 38th

24 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 'Carruades de Lafite', Pauillac, France Bordeaux Blend Red 39th

25 Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien, France Bordeaux Blend Red 41st

4.10 FRANCE - BURGUNDY

4.10 FRANCE - BURGUNDYREGIONS:

Chablis

Cote de Nuits

Cote de Beaune

Cote Chalonnaise

Mâconnais

Beaujolais

GRAPE VARIETALS:

NORTH BURGUNDY:

Black - Pinot Noir,

White - Chardonnay and Aligote.

SOUTH BURGUNDY:

Black - Gamay,

White - Chardonnay.Chablis, Mâcon wines and the Côte d'Or whites are mostly produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes.


FAMOUS WHITE WINES APPELLATION:

Chablis

Meursault

Chassagne Montrachet

Puligny Montrachet

Pouilly Fuisse

Corton Charlemagne

FAMOUS RED WINES APPELLATION:

Gevrey Chambertin

Aloxe Corton

Nuits Saint Georges

Chambolle Musigny

Pommard

Vosne-Romanee

Clos de Vougeot

Échezeaux

4.10 FRANCE - BURGUNDYThe classification structures in Burgundy differ fundamentally from those in Bordeaux

There are 4 different classifications:

Regional/District - 22 regional and district appellations which represent over 41% of total

production. Examples of regional appellations: Bourgogne Blanc, Hautes Côtes de Nuits. District

appellations never have Bourgogne in their names (e.g. Mâcon).

Commune - There are 53 communal appellations which represent 36% of total production.

Examples include Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, Volnay and Gevrey Chambertin. The

communal or village name may be followed by the name of an individual vineyard, e,g,

Meursault Clos de la Barre, Gevrey Chambertin Les Evocelles. Many villages have double

barrelled names because they have hyphenated the name of their most famous vineyard: thus

Gevrey has added Chambertin and Chambolle has added Musigny.


Single Vineyard Communes: Two classes of vineyards:

Premier Cru: The name of the village the name of the vineyard classified as premier cru: e.g.

Meursault Charmes 1er cru, Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques 1er cru. There are 585 premier

cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and Côte Chalonnaise. They represent 18% of Burgundy's total

production.

Grand Cru: The name of the vineyard on its own: e.g. Chevalier-Montrachet, Corton

Charlemagne (white); Richebourg, Le Musigny (red). Confusingly some of the grand cru names

(Musigny, Chambertin, Montrachet) appear as part of a village name (see above).There are 32

Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or. They represent less than 5% of total production.


TOP 25 WINESSr. No

Wine Name Grape Popularity

1 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 9th

2 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 19th

3 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 61st

4 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 69th

5 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 76th

6 Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 78th

7 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Musigny Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 112nd

8 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 120th

9 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 126th

10 Domaine du Clos de Tart 'Clos de Tart' Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 144th

11 Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, France Pinot Noir 178th

12 Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 205th

13 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 216th

14 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 219th

15 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 'Cuvee Vieilles Vignes', Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 220th

16 Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 222nd

17 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 225th

18 Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 247th

19 Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Le Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 264th

20 Coche-Dury Meursault, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 280th

21 Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France Chardonnay 301st

22 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 305th

23 Domaine Leflaive Les Pucelles, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru, France Chardonnay 306th

24 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 309th

25 Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair La Romanee Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France Pinot Noir 314th

4.10 FRANCE - RHONE VALLEY


The Rhone Valley produces 95% red wine.

Rhone Valley sub divides into two: Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone

Northern Rhone vineyard areas are on steep narrow gauges most of the wine

is produced on the right side of river

Southern Rhone vineyards are spread out on both sides of the river

Northern Rhone produces the best wines (5% of total Rhone production)

and the south produces the most wines (95%. of total Rhone production)


NORTHERN RHONE REGIONS:

From north to south the appellations in the northern Rhône are:

Condrieu AOC - Whites of Viognier only.

Château-Grillet AOC - Whites of Viognier.

Cornas AOC - Reds of Syrah only.

Côte-Rôtie AOC - Reds of Syrah and up to 20% Viognier.

Crozes-Hermitage AOC - Reds of Syrah and up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne; whites of only Marsanne and

Roussanne.

Hermitage AOC - Reds of Syrah and up to 15% Viognier; whites of only Marsanne and Roussanne

Saint-Joseph AOC - Reds of Syrah and up to 10% Marsanne and Roussanne; whites of only Marsanne and

Roussanne.

Saint-Péray AOC - Sparkling and still whites of only Marsanne and Roussanne.

GRAPE VARIETALS:

Red: Syrah is the only red variety allowed.

White: Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne(VMR) is the only white varieties allowed.


SOUTHERN RHONE REGIONS:

From north to south the appellations in the

southern Rhône are:

Côtes du Vivarais AOC

Côtes du Rhône AOC

Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC

Coteaux du Tricastin AOC

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Vacqueyras AOC

Rasteau AOC

Cairanne

SOUTHERN RHONE REGIONS:

From north to south the appellations in the

southern Rhône are:

Gigondas AOC

Vinsobres AOC

Lirac AOC

Beaumes de Venise AOC

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOC

Tavel AOC

Cote du Ventoux

Cote du Luberon

4.10 FRANCE - RHONE VALLEY GRAPE VARIETALS:

Grenache grape is the most important in the southern Rhone but it is no good on its own the

grapes listed below bring out its best.

Red: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre (G.S.M)

White: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc (G.C.B)

EXCEPTION:

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise -

Red - Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains

White - Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

95% of the Southern Rhone wine is Red wine, well known for Cotes de Rhone AC

different microclimates meaning different grapes


Red White Red White

Marsanne M M M

Roussanne M M M

Viognier M

Syrah M M M M

Regional appellations

Variety

NORTHERN RHONE GRAPE VARIETALS

Condrieu,[11]

Château-Grillet[12]

Cornas[13]Côte-Rôtie[14]

Hermitage,[15]

Crozes-Hermitage[16]

Saint-Joseph[17]Saint-Péray


Red and rosé

White Red Rosé WhiteRed and

roséWhite Red Rosé White

Bourboulenc M M M M M MClairette blanche M M M M M MGrenache blanc M M M M M M M

Marsanne M M MRoussanne M M M MViognier M M M

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains MPiquepoul blanc M M

Brun Argenté (locally called Camarèse or Vaccarèse)

M

Cinsaut M M M MClairette rose M M

Counoise MGrenache gris M M MGrenache noir M M M M M M M M M M M

Mourvèdre S S M S M M S MMuscardin M

Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains MPicardan M

Piquepoul gris M MPiquepoul noir M M

Syrah S S S S M S M M S MTerret noir M

SOUTHERN RHONE GRAPE VARIETALSRegional appellations

Rasteau[26]

Tavel[27]

Vacqueyras[28]Variety

Côtes du Rhône[19]

Côtes du Rhône Villages[20]

Beaumes de

Venise[21]

Châteauneuf-du-

Pape[22]

Gigondas[23]

Lirac[24]

Muscat de

Beaumes de

Venise[25]


1 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 37th

2 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone, France Syrah 47th

3 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, Rhone, France Syrah 48th

4 Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve, Rhone, France Grenache (Garnacha) 82nd

5 Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 98th

6 E. Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline, Rhone, France Syrah - Viognier 137th

7 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 148th

8 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 168th

9 E. Guigal Cote Rotie La Landonne, Rhone, France Syrah 172nd

10 E. Guigal Cote Rotie La Turque, Rhone, France Syrah - Viognier 186th

11 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Cuvee Hommage a Jacques Perrin, Rhone, France

Southern Rhone Red Blend 226th

12 Domaine de La Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 248th

13 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone, France Syrah 268th

14 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 272nd

15 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone, France Syrah 285th

16 Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Celestins, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 295th

17 Domaine Jamet Cote Rotie, Rhone, France Syrah 300th

18 E. Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Cote Rotie, Rhone, France Syrah 415th

19 E. Guigal Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde de Guigal, Rhone, France Syrah 458th

20 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc, Rhone, France Marsanne - Roussanne 471st

21 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, Rhone, France Roussanne 502nd

22 Thierry Allemand Cornas Reynard, Rhone, France Syrah 571st

23 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee da Capo, Rhone, France Southern Rhone Red Blend 605th

24 M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l'Oree Blanc, Rhone, France Marsanne 641st

25 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin, Rhone, France Syrah 694th

4.10 FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY

4.10 FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY The Loire, as a whole, is very diverse in wine styles, in climate, in geography and in geology and, for

this reason, it can be divided into 3 primary growing areas:

Lower Loire - Pays Nantais

Middle Loire - Anjou, Saumur and Touraine

Upper Loire - Centre

LOIRE VALLEY – KEY WINES

Nantais: Muscadet, Muscadet de Sevre-et-maine, Sur Lie.

Anjou-Saumur: Anjou Rose, Cabernet Anjou, Coteaux du Layon, Savennieres, Saumur,

Saumur-Champigny.

Touraine:, Reds on CF or Gamay: Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil.

Whites CB Vouvray.

Central Vineyards: Finest white wines on SB: Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon.

4.10 FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY GRAPE VARIETALS: L O W E R L O I R E - P AY S N A N TA I S

Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet): not

related to the Muscat family, originally from

Burgundy

Folle Blanche: only found in Gros Plant de

Pays Nantais AOP

Pinot Gris: a minor blending grape

GRAPE VARIETALS:

MIDDLE LOIRE - ANJOU, SAUMUR AND TOURAINE

WHITE WINE Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Arbois: indigenous to the Loire Pinot Gris Romorantin

RED WINE Cabernet Franc - The main red grape. Cabernet Sauvignon Pineau d’Aunis Malbec Gamay Grolleau: indigenous to the Loire, makes great off-dry

Anjou rosé Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier

4.10 FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY GRAPE VARIETALS:

U P P E R L O I R E - C E N T R E

WHITE WINE

Sauvignon Blanc: aka Blanc Fumé (smokey

white)

Chasselas: historic grape of the region

Pinot Gris: indigenous to the Loire

Sacy: aka Tressailier

RED WINE

Pinot Noir

Gamay


1 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fume Silex, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 312nd

2 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny, Loire, France Cabernet Franc 452nd

3Nicolas Joly Vignobles de la Coulee de Serrant 'Clos de la Coulee de Serrant' Savennieres,

Loire, France Chenin Blanc 635th

4 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg, Loire, France Cabernet Franc 749th

5 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses, Loire, France Cabernet Franc 793rd

6 Domaine Vacheron Sancerre, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 859th

7 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeaux, Loire, France Cabernet Franc 896th

8 Baron de Ladoucette Pouilly-Fume 'Baron de L', Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,151st

9 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fume Pur Sang, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,314th

10 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,318th

11 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 1,453rd

12 Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,513rd

13 Barton & Guestier Vouvray, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 1,581st

14 Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,713rd

15 Baron de Ladoucette Pouilly-Fume, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 1,795th

16 Clos Rougeard Saumur Blanc Breze, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 2,009th

17 Francois Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 2,043rd

18 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Premiere Trie, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 2,135th

19 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 2,218th

20 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, Loire, France Chenin Blanc 2,261st

21 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussiere, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 2,325th

22 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rose, Loire, France Pinot Noir 2,346th

23 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie, Loire, France Melon de Bourgogne 2,494th

24 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fume Asteroide, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 2,661st

25 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes, Loire, France Sauvignon Blanc 2,727th

MOST EXPENSIVE WINE

Henri Jayer Richebourg Grand Cru

Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France

Average Price: US$16,193/- (INR 10,52,545)

Maximum Price: US$24,473/- (15,90,745)

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

1

MOST EXPENSIVE WINE

Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru

Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France


Maximum Price: US$62,507(INR 40,62,955)

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

2

MOST EXPENSIVE WINE

Egon Muller-Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling

Trockenbeerenauslese

Region: Bereich Saar, Mosel, Germany


Maximum Price: US$14,125(INR 9,18,125)

Grape Variety: Riesling

3

4.16 ITALY

4.16 ITALYThe regions are, roughly from Northwest to Southeast:

Aosta Valley

Piemonte

Liguria

Lombardia

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Veneto

Emilia-Romagna

Toscana

Marche

Umbria

Lazio

Sardinia

Abruzzo

Molise

Campania

Basilicata

Puglia

Calabria

Sicily

4.16 ITALYITALIAN WINE REGIONS –

NORTH WEST ITALY - 4 REGIONS

Liguria,

Valle d’Aosta,

Lombardia,

Piemonte

CENTRAL ITALY – 6 REGIONS

Emilia-Romagna

Tuscany (Toscana)

Marche

Umbria

Latium (Lazio)

Abruzzo

ITALIAN WINE REGIONS –

NORTH EAST ITALY – 3 REGIONS

Trentino Alto Adige

Veneto

Fruili-Venezia Giulia

SOUTHERN ITALY AND THE ISLANDS

Campania

Basilicata

Puglia

Calabria

4.16 ITALY NORTH WEST ITALY produces red, white and sparkling wines.

It divides into 4 regions

Liguria

Valle d’Aosta

Lombardia

Piemonte

MAIN WINE AREAS - Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba, Gavi

GRAPE VARIETIES - Nebbiolo grown in this North West Italian region is the finest red grape variety in

Italy. The Nebbiolo (meaning fog) is a late ripening grape. The best comes from around the town of

Alba (for example Barolo and Barbersco). Other popular grapes used for red wine production are

Barbera and Dolcetto. The Italian word dolcetto means "little sweet one“.

Pinot Grigio this is the biggest grape variety in the North West Italy.

The sparkling wine Asti Spumante(South- Eastern Piedmont ) is made from the Moscato grape

4.16 ITALY PIEDMONT (11% DOC PRODUCTION)

The majority of the region's winemaking (about 90%) takes place in the southern part of Piedmont

around the towns of Alba (in Cuneo), Asti and Alessandria.

KEY WINES -

Barolo- Cuneo

Barberesco- Cuneo

Langhe - Cuneo

Asti - Asti

Gavi – Alessandria

Gattinara

Dolcetto

Barbera d'Asti


RED VARIETALS -

NEBBIOLO -

While the production of Nebbiolo wine is less than Barbera, it’s considered the greatest wine from

Piedmont.

Nebbiolo is a high tannin grape with red cherry, tar and rose flavors with clay-like terroir.

When you taste a Nebbiolo wine, you can feel the grippy tannin towards the front of your mouth.

At its best, a Piedmont Nebbiolo wine is enjoyed around the 10-15 year mark and has subtle notes of

spice, rose, cherry and fig.

There are many sub regions in Piedmont that make Nebbiolo wine and thus there are a few stylistic

differences to understand.

The Nebbiolo grape alone makes up 13 DOC or DOCG certified wines, and the differences between

one tiny town and the next are astounding.


BARBERA -

Barbera is the most planted red grape variety in Piedmont and it’s a little less finicky than Nebbiolo.

Barbera wines from Piedmont are dark in color and taste of black cherry, anise, and dried herbs.

DOLCETTO -

Dolcetto is a bit of a misnomer because the word means ‘little sweet one’: Dolcetto is neither sweet

nor ‘little’. The wines made with Dolcetto are very dark in color with flavors of blackberry, licorice and

tar. The wines are not known to age well because they have low acidity but offer plenty of mouth-

drying tannin. Many producers in Piedmont are starting to make Dolcetto in a fruit-forward style,

attempting to dial back some of the tannin and reveal loads of dark fruit, similar to Merlot.


BRACHETTO -

Brachetto is a red Italian wine grape variety grown predominantly in the Piedmont region of

northwest Italy. At one time the grape was thought to be related to the French wine grape Braquet,

but recent thought among ampelographers is that the two are distinct varieties. In Italy’s region of

Piedmont the grape is somewhat more widespread: production mostly falling within an area of the

provinces of Asti and Alessandria between the rivers Bormida and Belbo plus various parts of the

province of Cuneo.


WHITE VARIETALS -

MOSCATO BIANCO -

Most people don’t realize that Moscato d’Asti comes from the same region as Barolo.

Moscato Bianco is a very ancient grape with intense aromatics of roses, mandarin orange, cotton

candy and lychee. There are two main styles found in Piedmont:

Asti Spumante - A fully bubbly sparkling (‘Spumante’) wine that’s sweet with about 9%

alcohol.

Moscato d’Asti - A barely bubbly (‘Frizzante’) wine that’s very sweet with about 5% alcohol.


WHITE VARIETALS -

CORTESE –

Perhaps more famous than the variety name of Cortese is the wine called ‘Gavi’ which is the name of

the town in the southeast part of Piedmont. Gavi wines are made in a dry style and are known for

their lemon-like citrus flavors and tingly acidity.

Cortese has the same mouth-zapping refreshing quality as some Pinot Grigio and Chablis wines.

ARNEIS -

The white wine of Roero DOCG, Arneis is a medium-bodied wine that often has bitter almond notes on

the finish. The wines are fresh and grassy and somewhat similar to the Sauvignon Blanc in white

Bordeaux.



BAROLO - is located southwest of the city of Alba in the Apennines.

The only vineyards with Barolo DOCG status are on the southern facing hills.

While the colour of the wine is a pale brick red, it has a bold mouth feel with rigid tannin and slightly

higher alcohol content (13% minimum).

The wines of Barolo are aged for at least 18 months in barrel and are released after a total of 3+ years.

◦Tip Riserva level Barolo are aged for a minimum of 5 years.

◦Tip Vigna on a label indicates a single vineyard wine.

◦Tip The older the better; look for Barolo of 10+ years.


BARBARESCO - is located northeast of the city of Alba in the Apennines.

Just like in Barolo, Barbaresco awards DOCG status to vineyards on the best south-facing slopes.

BARBARESCO VS. BAROLO

There are two main differences. The soils in Barbaresco are mostly limestone-based soils, which

means less tannin. The climate has less of a diurnal shift which produces grapes that ripen sooner but

have thinner skins. This means Barbaresco tend to have less tannin, color, and phenolics (a.k.a. aroma

compounds). Thus, Barbaresco wines are usually lighter tasting and less tannic than Barolo.


LANGHE - The Langhe is a hilly area to the south and east of the river Tanaro in the province of

Cuneo in Piedmont, northern Italy. It is famous for its wines, cheeses, and truffles—particularly

the white truffles of Alba.


1 Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 90th

2 Gaja Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 102nd

3 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 109th

4 Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 167th

5 Produttori del Barbaresco 'Barbaresco DOCG', Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 211st

6 Gaja Sperss Langhe, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 213rd

7 Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Monprivato, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 217th

8 Giuseppe Rinaldi 'Brunate-Le Coste', Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 244th

9 Luciano Sandrone Cannubi Boschis, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 279th

10 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo Riserva DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 344th

11 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa 'Le Rocche del Falletto', Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 356th

12 Luciano Sandrone Le Vigne, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 384th

13 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa 'Falletto', Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 388th

14 Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Langhe-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 395th

15 Marchesi di Barolo 'Barolo' DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 399th

16 Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 404th

17 Gaja Sori Tildin Langhe-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 498th

18 Gaja Dagromis, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 504th

19 Gaja Costa Russi Langhe-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy Nebbiolo 529th

20 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 557th

21 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Asili Riserva, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 587th

22 Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Langhe, Piedmont, Italy Chardonnay 611st

23 Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 621st

24 Bruno Giacosa Albesani Santo Stefano, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 645th

25 Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG, Italy Nebbiolo 675th

4.16 ITALY NORTH EAST ITALY this region relies less on tradition and

embraces modern ideas.

It consists of 3 major zones;

Trentino Alto Adige: Key DOC wines: Alto Adige (Schiava,

Lagrein, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, others) and Trentino

(Pinot Grigio, Teroldego).

Veneto: Valpolicella DOC (Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and

others), can range in style from light, cherry red to the rich Port

like Recioto and Amarone. Valpolicella DOC structure

Fruili-Venezia Giulia: Key Wines: Fuili Grave DOC (Reds: Refosco,

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, white: Tocai

Friulano, Pinot Gris).

4.16 ITALY VENETO (18% DOC PRODUCTION)

With the region of Veneto the following wines in order of their superiority must come to your mind.

Bardolino

Valpolicella

Ripasso

Amarone

Prosecco

Soave

Great red blends of Veneto are made with

Corvina

Rondinella

Molinara (C.R.M).

For white wines, Garganega is the white grape that

makes Soave ('swah-vay').

Glera grapes used to make Prosecco


AMARONE –

‘Amarone’ is traditionally made with the ‘Appassimento’ which is a traditional method used in the Venetian

regions to concentrate aromas and tastes in wine. The grapes are laid out on bamboo racks in drying lofts for the

winter period before vinification

The Appassimento lasts three months, but even more, according to the percentage of water contained in the

original grapes. It is in fact the water to “evaporate” from the grapes, leaving almost intact sugars. The most

obvious visible consequence of this phase, as well as the withering of the berries, is the loss of weight of the

bunch, which varies depending on the type of grapes from 30% to 35%.

PROSECCO -

‘Prosecco’ is an Italian white wine. Prosecco DOC can be spumante ("sparkling wine"), frizzante ("semi-sparkling

wine"), or tranquillo ("still wine"). It is made from Glera grapes, formerly known also as Prosecco, but other grape

varieties may be included. The following varieties are traditionally used with Glera up to a maximum of 15% of

the total: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot

Nero


RIPASSO –

In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso (meaning "repassed") emerged. With this

technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of Amarone are added

to the batch of Valpolicella wines for a period of extended maceration. The additional food source for

the remaining fermenting yeast helps boost the alcohol level and body of the wines while also leaching

additional tannins, glycerine and some phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine's complexity,

flavor and color. As the production of Amarone has increased in the 21st century, so too has the

prevalence of ripasso style wines appearing in the wine market, with most Amarone producers also

producing a ripasso as a type of "second wine". An alternative method is to use partially dried grapes,

instead of leftover pomace, which contain less bitter tannins and even more phenolic compounds.

The first Valpolicella producer to commercially market a ripasso wine was Masi in the early 1980s.

4.16 ITALY

VENETO (18% DOC PRODUCTION)

TOP 25 WINESSr. No

Wine Name Grape Popularity

1 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 193rd

2 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 203rd

3 Masi Costasera, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Italy Valpolicella Blend 246th

4 Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Italy Valpolicella Blend 281st

5 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 293rd

6 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 368th

7 Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 523rd

8 Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 566th

9 La Marca Prosecco, Veneto, Italy Glera (Prosecco) 600th

10 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 690th

11 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 809th

12 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT, Veneto, Italy Corvina 868th

13 Masi Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese IGT, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 911st

14 Barbieri 'Aperol' Aperitivo Liqueur, Veneto, Italy Liqueur - Fruit 915th

15 Ramona Singer Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT, Italy Pinot Grigio 961st

16 Gerardo Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 1,049th

17 Giuseppe Quintarelli 'Alzero' Cabernet Veneto IGT, Italy Cabernet Franc 1,098th

18 Speri Vigneto Monte Sant'Urbano, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Italy Valpolicella Blend 1,195th

19 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 1,268th

20 Mionetto Prestige Collection Prosecco di Treviso Brut, Veneto, Italy Glera (Prosecco) 1,415th

21 Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Italy Valpolicella Blend 1,485th

22 Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco Spumante Brut, Veneto, Italy Glera (Prosecco) 1,560th

23 Distilleria Bottega 'Gold' Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy Glera (Prosecco) 1,749th

24 Bertoldi Gran Passione Rosso Veneto IGT, Veneto, Italy Rare Red Blend 1,759th

25 Zenato 'Sergio Zenato' Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG, Veneto, Italy Valpolicella Blend 1,884th

CENTRAL ITALY

Emilia-Romagna: (Bolognese sauces, Parma ham, Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar). Key wines

Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, and Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC. Both are trained on high trellis to

maintain acidity, around Modena.

Tuscany (Toscana) : Six DOCG areas, home of the famous ‘Super Tuscans’ and Chianti wines. Key Wines: Chianti

Classico / Ruffina / Colli Senesi DOCG (Sangiovese), Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Vino Nobile di

Montepulciano DOCG most expensive wine in Northern Italy, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Toscana IGT.

Marche: sold in green, amphora elongated curved bottles. Key wines: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi

(white:Verdicchio),Rosso Conero (red: Montepulciano and Sangiovese), a good red wine, full bodied, deep

coloured and low in tannins.

Umbria: known for its white wines of Orvieto, tuffeau soils here,. Key wines: Orvieto DOC (Trebbiano,

Grechetto, Malvasia, Verdello),

Latium (Lazio): mainly white wines here, Frascati DOC is the best known (Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasis di

Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, Greco),

Abruzzo: on the east coast behind the knee of Italy, two major DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC for red

wines, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC for white wines.

4.16 ITALY

4.16 ITALY TUSCANY (17% DOC PRODUCTION)

Tuscany is home to the Chianti

region which is the most famous region

for Sangiovese.

For white wines in this region, keep in

mind that Trebbiano is Italy's most

produced white grape

KEY REGIONS:

Chianti

Montalcino

Montepulciano.

Bolgheri


CHIANTI -

There are seven sub zones within Tuscany

that can call their wine Chianti

Colli Aretini

Colli Senesi

Colli Fiorentini

Montalbano

Colline Pisane

Rufina

Classico


SUPER TUSCANS

This useful but unofficial term emerged in the 1970s, to describe a particular set of high-quality Tuscan

wines which were precluded from claiming DOC or DOCG status because they broke traditional Italian

winemaking norms (foreign grape varieties were used, and the wines were often matured in small, new oak

barrels).

Several of these wines earned global recognition and astronomical price tags – hence 'Super Tuscan'.

Originally these wines had to be labeled as Vino da Tavola because they contravened the stringent,

tradition-focused DOC laws.

This situation ultimately led to the creation of the

IGT category, with its relatively relaxed production rules.

4.16 ITALY

TUSCANY (17% DOC PRODUCTION)


CHIANTI -

Since 1996, Chianti is permitted to include as little as 75% Sangiovese, a maximum of 10% Canaiolo, up to 10% of the white wine

grapes Malvasia and Trebbiano and up to 15% of any other red wine grape grown in the region, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. This

variety of grapes and usage is one reason why Chianti can vary widely from producer to producer. The use of white grapes in the

blend could alter the style of Chianti by softening the wines with a higher percentage of white grapes, typically indicating that the

wine is meant to be drunk younger and not aged for long. In general, Chianti Classicos are described as medium-bodied wines with

firm, dry tannins. The characteristic aroma is cherry but it can also carry nutty and floral notes as well.

In 2006, the use of white grapes Trebbiano and Malvasia was prohibited (except in Chianti Colli Senesi until the 2015 vintage).

Local laws also require wines to have a minimum of 70% Sangiovese (and 80% for the more prestigious Chianti Classico DOCG).

The native varieties Canaiolo and Colorino are also permitted, as are the classics Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to a limited

degree.



BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO –

Brunello is the name of the local Sangiovese variety that is grown around the village of Montalcino. Located

south of the Chianti Classico zone, the Montalcino range is drier and warmer than Chianti.

The Brunello variety of Sangiovese seems to flourish in this terroir, ripening easily and consistently producing

wines of deep color, extract, richness with full bodies and good balance of tannins.

Brunello di Montalcino wines are required to be aged for at least four years prior to being released, with

Riserva wines needing five years. Brunellos tend to be very tight and tannic in their youth, needing at least a

decade or two before they start to soften with wines from excellent vintages having the potential to do well

past 50 years. In 1984, the Montalcino region was granted the DOC designation of Rosso di Montalcino. Often

called "Baby Brunellos", these wines are typically made from the same grapes, vineyards and style as the

regular Brunello di Montalcino but are not aged as long.


VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO –

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano received its DOCG status shortly after Brunello di Montalcino, in 1980. The

DOCG covers the red wine of the Montepulciano area. The wine received its name in the 17th century, when

it was the favorite wine of the Tuscan nobility. Located in the south-eastern region of Tuscany, the climate of

the region is strongly influenced by the sea. The variety of Sangiovese in Montepulciano is known as Prugnolo

Gentile and is required to account for at least 80% of the wine. Traditionally Canaiolo and Mammolo make up

the remaining part of the blend but some producers have begun to experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon and

Merlot.

The wines are required to age two years prior to release, with an additional year if it is to be a Riserva. The

recent use of French oak barrels has increased the body and intensity of the wines which are noted for their

plummy fruit, almond notes and smooth tannins.


1 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon 13th

2 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet - Sangiovese 27th

3 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy Bordeaux Blend Red 36th

4 Masseto Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Merlot 44th

5 Marchesi Antinori Solaia Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet - Sangiovese 68th

6 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany, Italy Sangiovese 127th

7 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy Sangiovese 133rd

8 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 138th

9 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy Sangiovese 151st

10 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 192nd

11 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Sangiovese 200th

12 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 204th

13 Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera Toscana IGP - Brunello Riserva DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 209th

14 Fattoria Le Pupille Elisabetta Geppetti 'Saffredi' Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 234th

15 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet - Merlot - Syrah 239th

16 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 255th

17 Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Merlot 289th

18 Ruffino Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 313rd

19 Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy Sangiovese 315th

20 Ornellaia 'Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia' Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy Bordeaux Blend Red 324th

21 Tenuta Sette Ponti Podere Orma 'Orma' Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy Bordeaux Blend Red 333rd

22 Luce della Vite 'Luce' Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Merlot - Sangiovese 353rd

23 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy Sangiovese 357th

24 Tenuta San Guido 'Guidalberto' Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 357th

25 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy Cabernet - Merlot - Sangiovese 365th

4.16 ITALY ABRUZZO (7% DOC PRODUCTION)

Montepulciano is the primary red grape in Abruzzo and the wines are called Montepulciano

d'Abruzzo. This is a bit confusing because there is also a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is a wine

from Tuscany made with Sangiovese. Montepulciano (the grape) makes a dark rich wine with high

tannins and an herbaceous character and is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.

IDENTIFYING WINE LABELS

IDENTIFY FRENCH WINE LABELS












IDENTIFY ITALIAN WINE LABELS





http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjszKuli7fPAhUDQBoKHVDzBM0QjRwIBw&url=http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/wsommelier/item/10013537/&bvm=bv.134495766,d.d2s&psig=AFQjCNHS8EkH-RRa4qKk4trD22xqOGqYZw&ust=1475324780450609




Food

French and Italian wine regions